The Supreme Court Judgement And Montie Trio

NEWS COMMENTARY ON SENTENCING OF PANALISTS AND HOST OF MONTIES FM AND THE LESSON FOR BROADCASTERS   

In Ghana today, access to radio has been made easy in terms of who becomes a panelist or a host. There is no formal training for radio hosts or any form of briefing for panelists before discussions. They hide behind the rich provisions of press freedom and freedom of speech to say anything on air, and in most cases scandalize and abuse people in authority. They also display ignorance on the issues they discuss. What they have forgotten is that free speech goes with responsibility. Times without number, eminent citizens, have expressed grave concern over this matter. The comments of the Montie FM panelists are just a tip of the iceberg. Many more such indecent, dangerous and peace-threatening utterances have been made in the media, some of them, out of ignorance; arrogant display of pride, and others as a result of unnecessary anger and frustration. Media of all types are said to be integrated in every context of society. 

Indeed a potential consequence of this is that different forms of power are exercised by and through the media. Radio, is very powerful not only because it reaches a large audience quickly but also because it allows the people in that audience to interact with one another more easily than other forms of media like television and newspaper. The media is also the most effective tool that touches all aspects of human life. It has and continues to play important roles in forming personality, enriching people’s background knowledge, and providing the citizenry with information of any kind among others. 

Today, in Ghana, it is becoming increasingly scary to listen to certain radio programmes primarily due to how such programs are produced. Ethics of the profession pitifully have been thrown to the dogs and given way to mediocrity, and blatant misuse of the airwaves. It appears that some media practitioners just have fun in creating sensation by using, controversial materials and people for news and other programs. The problem has to do with professionalism, language, hosting, contributions, and phone-ins, among others. Most radio talk show hosts lack professionalism. In some cases, these nonprofessionals allow their panelists to virtually take over programmes. They also allow political parties to use their stations to primarily do propaganda. Much as it requires the media to be free and independent in its reportage, it also requires media personnel to be responsible. Media owners must be aware that reckless utterances on radio and in the media in general have far reaching consequences for the entire nation. 

The four month sentence handed the Montie FM three should be enough deterrent to others that freedom of speech does not mean freedom to say anything at all. Going forward, media personalities especially media owners, producers, and presenters as well as guests must learn useful lessons from it. The fine imposed on the directors of the station is also a wakeup call to media owners to take keen interest in what goes on their networks. It is sad that, some people establish radio stations not because they want to uphold the standards and principles of broadcasting, but rather for some other mundane reasons. They have no idea about the ethics of the profession and end up engaging unqualified people. As a driver by his carelessness may kill passengers, broadcasters by their unprofessionalism may also ruin a nation. Examples abound in countries such as Rwanda about how devastating unguided comments on radio can be. 

Let this landmark Supreme Court judgement be the benchmark to control excesses in the media and ensure peace in the country as the nation heads towards a crucial general election on December 7, this year.            

BY NANA SIFA TWUM, MEDIA AMD COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT LONDON -UK